CA Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires shared cost for boundary fences. Burbank allows fence exception permits for disputes. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code 841.4.
Burbank's fence ordinance applies equally to all property owners sharing a boundary. Fences erected before the ordinance's effective date are grandfathered as long as they were compliant at the time of construction. For shared boundary fences, California Civil Code Section 841 governs cost-sharing obligations between adjacent property owners. Side and rear fences up to 8 feet do not require setbacks from the property line. Front fences follow the 3-foot limit with open design requirements above 2 feet. Disputes over shared fences may be resolved through mediation or civil court.
Enforcement is complaint-based. About two dozen residents annually are found in violation, most resolving by trimming hedges or adjusting fence heights.
Burbank, CA
Outdoor burning in Burbank is subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn days and seasonal restrictions (November–February). Open burning of household trash is proh...
Burbank, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space per CA PRC 4291. Burbank Fire Department enforces brush clearance in hillside areas ...
Burbank, CA
All fireworks — including Safe & Sane — are banned in Burbank. Violations result in confiscation plus citation or arrest. State penalties: $500–$1,000 fine a...
Burbank, CA
Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted in Burbank. Wood-burning fire pits subject to South Coast AQMD no-burn day restrictions. Areas near the Ver...
Burbank, CA
Burbank does NOT operate a proactive Rental Housing Inspection Program. The City launched a Housing Enforcement Unit (HEU) in March 2025 to investigate compl...
Burbank, CA
Outdoor lighting that creates a nuisance to neighboring properties may be addressed through Burbank's general nuisance provisions. No specific foot-candle th...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle neighbor fence rules.
See how Burbank's neighbor fence rules rules stack up against other locations.
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